C280 failing to start
 

My mom has a W202 C280. After using it for a 144 mile daily round trip commute car since new, it has racked up 175K miles. It has been serviced more than regularly, and is very well taken care of, down to being detailed inside and out once a month since I can remember. She now works in town and rides her bike and uses public transportation to ge to work, and rarely drives the car anymore. It sits safely in the garage 99% of the time.

When I am home, usually once a week, I make it routine to check fluids, and give it a good drive, detail it lightly to maintain its appearance, and put it back in the garage. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until the last time I drove it.

It seemed to lack power. It was accelerating as though it is suffering from turbo-lag, even though it doesnt have a turbo! You put your foot in it and it responds very sloppily, pausing as though it needs to take in a good breath , and then taking off like an old man running from his wife of 60 years, it kindof makes a long subtle strained moan noise when pushed hard.

The transmission was replaced less than 2K miles ago. It shifts properly, and promptly. The engine however doesnt seem like its using all of its power. Since its never driven, its not a problem in need of reapir asap, so I put it back in the garage, and left it there for the next visit.

Well, the next time I was in town, I went about my routine normally. EXCEPT, this time it wouldnt start. I turned the ignition, all of the dash lights lit up as normal. I then turned further to engage starter, and it turned over. The car let out the normal starting noise, and it sounded like it was about to start, and then it died. I tried 2 more times, and nothing. The starter turns, but the engine turns over, but doesnt fully fire..

That said, im not sure when the last tune up was, but will look the next time I see the car. Any ideas of what the starting problem may be? any ideas of why it seems to lack power?

Has the service schedule been followed?
Plugs, air filter, and fuel filter?
You may have a plugged fuel filter or possibly a failed air mass
sensor. If you have access to a fuel pressure gauge, connect it
to the test port on the front of the fuel rail. You should have 3.8bar pressure whilst cranking. If pressure is low, look at filter
(which also contains the regualtor) or pump. If no pressure,
look at power supply like the relay or fuse for the pump.
Good luck.
DR.D

Thanks for the advice. The car has been serviced more than regularly to compensate for driving habits, and I thought the car had a full tune and fluid change when the new transmission was installed. I'll have to look up the records when I go back home this week. Will post furthermore on my findings.